Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Netherlands Withdraws From 2027 Eurovision Over Neutrality Concerns
The Netherlands says it will skip the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.
Its broadcaster, AVROTROS, thinks the contest is no longer neutral.
It says wars, suffering in Gaza and disagreements about Israel have divided the participating countries.
It also worries about restrictions on press freedom.
Eurovision organizers changed some rules, but AVROTROS said the changes were not enough.
The next contest is planned for May 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria.
Another Dutch broadcaster might still send an entry.
Eurovision organizers say the contest should bring people together.
Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS said the Netherlands will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.
AVROTROS said international conflicts, Gaza-related suffering and press-freedom concerns have undermined Eurovision’s neutrality.
The broadcaster said new European Broadcasting Union rules did not restore confidence in the contest’s independent character.
Five countries, including the Netherlands, boycotted Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation, reducing viewership to 131 million.
Eurovision director Martin Green said organizers respected the decision and would discuss whether another Dutch broadcaster could participate.
- Who
- AVROTROS announced the withdrawal; Eurovision organizers, including director Martin Green, responded.
- What
- The Netherlands will not participate in Eurovision 2027 through AVROTROS.
- When
- AVROTROS announced the decision on Monday; the 2027 contest is scheduled for May 15.
- Where
- The contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria.
- Why
- AVROTROS cited international conflicts, humanitarian suffering in Gaza, press-freedom concerns and divisions over Israel’s participation.
AVROTROS
European Broadcasting Union
Contest neutrality
AVROTROS
AVROTROS said international conflicts, the Gaza war and humanitarian suffering have turned Eurovision into a platform for division and undermined its neutral character.
European Broadcasting Union
The European Broadcasting Union says Eurovision brings people together, celebrates diverse communities and demonstrates that a better world is possible.
New participation rules
AVROTROS
AVROTROS said the recently announced rule changes did not provide sufficient confidence that Eurovision’s independent and neutral character had been restored.
European Broadcasting Union
Organizers introduced rules barring a country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the following contest if it wins, and allowing a winner to be prevented from hosting when a sensitive geopolitical situation threatens regional safety or stability.
Dutch participation in 2027
AVROTROS
AVROTROS said it was stepping away from the contest while remaining committed to its values.
European Broadcasting Union
Martin Green said organizers would continue discussions with NPO about whether another Dutch broadcaster could represent Dutch audiences and artists.
- Withdrawing broadcaster
- AVROTROS
- Country affected
- The Netherlands
- Scheduled contest
- Eurovision Song Contest 2027
- Date and host city
- May 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria
- Recent boycott
- The Netherlands also stayed away from Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.
- 2026 viewership
- The competition was watched by 131 million viewers, 35 million fewer than the previous year.
- Dutch Eurovision record
- The Netherlands has won five times; its most recent victory was Duncan Laurence’s 2019 win with “Arcade”.
